exotic and richly biodiverse

Retrace ancient trade routes as you sail on the Coral Discoverer and Coral Adventurer in these remarkable voyages that combine history, nature and culture.

Wildlife & Warriors: West Papua

Experience the crossroads of civilization in this adventure to rarely visited West Papua. Departing from Darwin, the Coral Adventurer will loop through remote islands to the coast of West Papua, visiting lush National Parks and traditional villages along the way. Ancient megalithic stone structures at Sangliat Dol, and unusual rock art at Kei Island and Andamata provide a glimpse into the history of this vibrant region.

Spice Islands & Raja Ampat (Darwin to Biak), 12 Nights

Board Coral Adventurer for an immersive voyage through through the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. Visit colonial forts and palaces, absorb the aromas of vibrant spice markets, snorkel or dive in some of the very best diving spots in the world today.

SPICE ISLANDS & RAJA AMPAT (BIAK TO DARWIN), 12 NIGHTS

Board Coral Adventurer for an immersive voyage through through the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat. Visit colonial forts and palaces, absorb the aromas of vibrant spice markets, snorkel or dive in some of the very best diving spots in the world today.

The Indonesian Spice Trade

In the early sixteenth century, pioneering Portuguese explorers ventured east to the ‘Indies’ in search of highly desirable spices. They soon established a monopoly in the region around the Spice Islands of Indonesia which had an abundance of pepper, nutmeg, ginger, mace and cinnamon. This presence drove the lucrative spice trade and eventually attracted competition in the form of the Dutch who followed them into the region towards the latter part of the century. The spice trade was at the time, the world’s biggest industry. It established and destroyed empires and led to the discovery of new continents. Some would say it helped lay the foundation for the modern world.

Vestiges of this period in history, when the world spotlight shone on a small corner of Indonesia, can be seen on our annual voyages through the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat.